South Sulawesi

Raja Ampat Liveaboards

Adventuring through Raja Ampat- the Coral Triangle. Raja Ampat is calling us to explore its 2500 islands, 1320 interesting species of fish and 550 species of coral. We invite you to discover the rich marine life and the beautiful coral reefs with us on our Raja Ampat budget..More

Komodo Liveaboards

Scuba Republic Indonesia is proud to present one of the most famous dive sites in the world – Komodo National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Komodo National Park features some of the most exotic and diverse environments on earth, from the famous Komodo..More

South Sulawesi

Raja Ampat Liveaboards

Adventuring through Raja Ampat- the Coral Triangle. Raja Ampat is calling us to explore its 2500 islands, 1320 interesting species of fish and 550 species of coral. We invite you to discover the rich marine life and the beautiful coral reefs with us on our Raja Ampat budget..More

Komodo Liveaboards

Scuba Republic Indonesia is proud to present one of the most famous dive sites in the world – Komodo National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Komodo National Park features some of the most exotic and diverse environments on earth, from the famous Komodo..More

Last Minute Deal

South Sulawesi

Bira is a small town located on the southern tip of Sulawesi and is part of Bulukumba Regency in the Indonesian Province of South Sulawesi. Bira is not just famous for its white beaches and large marine life but is also the heart of maritime culture in Indonesia.

The Bulukumba Regency has a population just shy of 400’000, with Bira boasting a mere 3’500 inhabitants. We are convinced that Bira will become a major tourist destination in the future, until then, we enjoy the tranquility.

According to the Köppen and Geiger classification, the climate in Bira is classified as a tropical monsoon climate (Am).

Temperature

The average air temperature in Bira is 26.2 °C throughout the year

The water temperature is around 28-29 degrees Celsius at many dive sites throughout the year. However, the temperature usually starts to drop in mid-June and stays at 24-27 degrees until October.

Seasonal changes

It can get a bit rainy in November and December and again also in April and May, but honestly, we are in the tropical Pacific and weather is rather unpredictable. Anything is possible (and thankfully, rain doesn’t affect our dives much).

We usually encounter strong west winds between December and mid-March so this can affect our ability to get out to the best dive sites. We still have options, but we often have to give the top sites a pass.

Bira is known for being a bit unknown and one of the coolest things about this is that there aren’t many divers or boats around. It is very common to not see any other divers during your dives (except your group, hopefully).

Bira diving features a variety in dive site landscapes such as sandy slopes, steep walls and plateaus. Visibility depends more on the dive site than the season and can be anything between 15m-40+m.

While there can be strong currents at some sites, we make sure that we choose dive sites that are appropriate for our divers based on their certification level, experience, and comfort. We check weather, tides and currents when we plan and check the currents upon arriving at the dive sites.

We almost always have sites available that can be dived by all. The area encompasses around 15 dive sites. All of them accessible within 15 – 30 minutes by boat.

July to October is known as the fishy sharky season. There just seems to be more of everything, including one thing Bira diving has been known for: white tip reef sharks!

South Sulawesi hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia. The camp is located on one, but if you rent a motorbike and follow the coast north you will find a number of white amazing and untouched beaches.

Sulawesi is the largest island of the Wallacea region and has a mix of both Indomalayan and Australasian species. The island has been isolated for millions of years creating a unique flora and fauna. Sulawesi is home to over two hundred bird species and around 130 mammals, more than half of them endemic.

Amongst the unique species found in the region are the endangered anoa (Bubalus Depressicornis), a diminutive buffalo that lives in the forest and the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), an unusual, enigmatic pig with long, recurved upper tusks that penetrate through the skin of the upper lip.

Sulawesi hosts at least seven species of macaques that are endemic to the island, some of them occasionally paying a visit to our camp.

Bira is home of the Konjo tribe and the heart of maritime culture in Indonesia. The Birians have been sailors for as long as history has been recorded.

To this day, shipbuilding and sailing remain the central focus of daily life and identity. About 70 percent of the population in Bira and surrounding villages make a living through work related to boatbuilding and navigation.

The Pinisis are traditional wooden two to three-masted sailing ships and are being crafted by hand right here on the beach! The craftsmanship and timbers are breathtaking.

Knowledge and skills are passed down from generation to generation within the family circle, as well as to individuals outside of the family through the division of labor.

UNESCO designated Pinisi boat-building art as Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity at the 12th Session of the Unique Cultural Heritage Committee on Dec 7, 2017.

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4D/3N (Tuesday departure) Komodo Central, North & Dragons

9 dives 690 USD

Summary

Jaya takes you on a 4-day journey through the central and northern part of Komodo National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Starting and ending our adventure in Labuan Bajo we dive approximately 9 of the most spectacular sites Komodo has to offer. On our way through the National Park we explore the reefs in the north and the central part of the Park. Dive sites visited include Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Makassar (Manta Point) and the Golden Passage.

Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savanna, pockets of thorny green vegetation, brilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coral, unquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The various habitats harbour more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make the Park their home.

While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference.We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day before departure

All guests must check in at the Scuba Republic dive shop in Labuan Bajo the day before the departure. We are open from 10am to 7pm.

Complete all paperwork and settle remaining payments

Equipment fitting

Day 1 (2 dives (incl. night dive)): CRITTERS & DRAGONS

We meet up again at the dive shop at 7am and walk to the harbour, where our small speed boat takes us to the Jaya.

Once on board, we introduce the dive team, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

Your introduction to Komodo is a meeting with the famous dragons. We’ll take you to Rinca for a hike through the rugged hillsides and thorny green vegetation, home to the iconic Komodo Dragon.

After lunch you are ready for your check dive at Siaba Besar. Framed by coral reef this lagoon is sheltered from the main currents and provides a haven for small critters as well as turtles. Hidden in seagrass and patches of sand we may find seahorses, ribbon eels, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish and mimic octopuses.

Night Dive: We don’t discriminate at Scuba Republic and therefore must give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Once the sun has set a whole new community comes to life!

Day 2 (3 dives): BOTH ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM

The sites visited today are polar opposites. Two of the dives are spent in the most colourful scenery Komodo has to offer. The other landscape is mostly made up of rubble and sand but is also home to our local Manta population.

Tatawa Besar: This dive site has one of the most astonishing coral gardens in the Park. The breath-taking variety of coral species creates a magical wonderland for divers and snorkellers alike. Cuttlefish, turtles, triggerfish and batfish tumble along the endless fields of orange soft coral. A closer look reveals small invertebrates hiding in nooks and crannies.

Siaba Kecil: The spectacular, fast drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas, small caverns where sweetlips, batfish, angelfish and the occasional shark hang out. At the end of the dive a sheltered hard coral garden is home to turtles, a variety of nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

Makassar (Manta Point):Over 2km long, this is by far the largest dive site in Komodo. The drift dive takes us over a lunar landscape dotted with coral bommies – cleaning stations for mantas! Although not rich in coral, the dive site is frequented by sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish and the occasional eagle ray feeding on the bottom.

Day 3 (3 dives): ADRENALINE RUSH

Our third day is spent in the thrilling north of the Park, riding the currents with the tides. The order of the dives depends on tides and weather conditions.

Castle Rock: The top of this pinnacle peaks out of the water if the tide is low and creates a whirlpool of white foam around the crown. Sister to Crystal Rock, the scenery is similarly action-packed and exciting. If you are tired of hanging out with the bannerfish in the split, we can check out the sea fans that sometimes host pygmy seahorses.

Cauldron: One of Komodo’s most thrilling sites, this dive is sure to give you an adrenaline rush! The channel between Gili lawa darat and Gili lawa laut is divided by a bowl or well… a cauldron. A slow drift to start with, the speed picks up on your way towards the cauldron. The dive culminates at “the shotgun” where you are propelled into the channel! You can catch your breath once you reach the beautiful, sheltered coral garden on the other side.

The Golden Passage: Drifting through the channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island the changing scenery is a feast for the eyes. The ride takes you through rocky canyons, vibrant coral gardens and sandy slopes dotted with glassfish covered bommies, schools of giant sweetlips, trevallies, bumphead parrotfish and often turtles.

Day 4 (1 dive): A DELICATE AFFAIR

China shop: This pristine hard coral garden is made up of delicate coral structures, surrounded by glassfish, sheltering leaf scorpion fish, octopus and mandarin fish. But be aware of your buoyancy – don’t be the proverbial bull in a China shop. The last dive will be finished at about 8 am.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour at around 12.30pm – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

4 day guests joining Jaya on day 4 of the 7 day trip will meet at 7 am to board speedboat to meet Jaya at Rinca Island for Komodo Dragon tour.

4 day guests departing from Jaya on day 4 of the 7 day trip, will visit Rinca Island for Komodo Dragon tour and then board speedboat and return to Labuan Bajo (estimated time of arrival: 1 pm. Lunch is not included.)

4D/3N (Saturday departure) Komodo Central, North & Dragons

9 dives 690 USD

Summary

Jaya takes you on a 4-day journey through the central and northern part of Komodo National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Starting and ending our adventure in Labuan Bajo we dive approximately 9 of the most spectacular sites Komodo has to offer. On our way through the National Park we explore the reefs in the north and the central part of the Park. Dive sites visited include Castle Rock, CrystalRock, Makassar (Manta Point) and Batu Bolong.

Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savanna, pockets of thorny green vegetation, brilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coral, unquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The various habitats harbour more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make the Park their home.

While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day before departure

All guests must check-in at the Scuba Republic dive shop in Labuan Bajo the day before the departure. We are open from 10am to 7pm.

Complete all paperwork and settle remaining payments

Equipment fitting

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

Drop your bags at our dive shop in Labuan Bajo at 08.00 in the morning.

We meet up again at the dive shop at 10am and walk to the harbour, where our small speedboat takes us to the Jaya.

Once on board, we introduce the dive team, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures while we head out to the National Park.

After lunch we should have reached our first dive site in central Komodo. The check dive is usually at Sabalon Besar, a beautiful, sheltered reef teeming with colorful fish.

Day 2 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): ADRENALINE RUSH

Our second day is spent in the thrilling north of the Park, riding the currents with the tides. The
order of the dives depends on tides and weather conditions.

Crystal Rock: This submerged pinnacle sits in the blue, exposed to the tidal currents of the Indonesian Throughflow. Massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and surgeon fish provide a tasty snack for pelagic predators. White and black tip reef sharks, tunas and giant trevallies are regulars here – especially if the current is strong.

Castle Rock: The top of this pinnacle peaks out of the water if the tide is low and creates a whirlpool of white foam around the crown. Sister to Crystal Rock, the scenery is similarly action-packed and exciting. If you are tired of hanging out with the bannerfish in the split, we can check out the sea fans that sometimes host pygmy seahorses.

Cauldron: One of Komodo’s most thrilling sites, this dive is sure to give you an adrenaline rush! The channel between Gili lawa darat and Gili lawa laut is divided by a bowl or well… a cauldron. A slow drift to start with, the speed picks up on your way towards the cauldron. The dive culminates at “the shotgun” where you are propelled into the channel! You can catch your breath once you reach the beautiful, sheltered coral garden on the other side.

Night Dive: We don’t discriminate at Scuba Republic and therefore must give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Once the sun has set a whole new community comes to life!

Day 3 (3 dives): GENTLE GIANTS

This day is spent in search of the local manta population. Although they can make an appearance anywhere in the park, some dive sites have a higher probability of encountering them than others.

Makassar (Manta Point): Over 2km long, this is by far the largest dive site in Komodo. The drift dive takes us over a lunar landscape dotted with coral bommies – cleaning stations for mantas! Although not rich in coral, the dive site is frequented by sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish and the occasional eagle ray feeding on the bottom.

Batu Bolong: Located in the middle of the Lintah Strait, this pinnacle is exposed to some serious current. But don’t worry, this site is dived on the sheltered lee side. The rock drops down to 75m and is a meeting point for all sorts of marine life. While further down the pelagic predators pass by, the upper part is dominated by a staggering array of reef fish. Visibility is often limited by the number of antheas in your field of vision.

Mauan: This sloping reef features all the usual suspects, including leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimp, octopus and cuttlefish blending into a pink soft coral garden. But don’t spend all your time with your head buried in sand and coral, because this dive site is also a manta cleaning station. A shadow passing over you is not always a cloud.

Enjoy the sunset from Wainilu beach with a cold beer in your hand.

Day 4 (1 dive): CRITTERS & DRAGONS

Our last day is filled with magical creatures. Meet odd shaped marine life and the fiercest dragons outside of Westeros.

At Wainilu we look for rare creatures and odd bottom dwellers like harlequin shrimp, seamoths, frogfish and mandarin fish. Basically, a macro photographer’s wet dream. The last dive will be finished at about 8 am.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

What would Komodo be without a glimpse of the famous dragons? We’ll take you to Rinca for a hike through the rugged hillsides and thorny green vegetation, home to the iconic Komodo Dragon.

After the tour we say our tearful goodbyes and transfer you to Scuba Republic’s Day Trip boat that brings you back to the harbour. Until we meet again!

7D/6N EXPLORATION TRIPS

Minimum 17 dives1690 USD

Our exploration trips are unique adventures. Our experienced Raja Ampat guides will take you off the beaten path in search of the next great discovery in this world-famous diving destination.

During these trips we will be looking for new dive sites, testing some theories, and trying out new ideas. This is the perfect trip for the experienced Raja diver looking for something new or the diver with a strong sense of adventure and interest in doing things differently.

Our itinerary is not fixed and subject to change spontaneously, but along our journey we’ll hit a few of our favourite sites and aim to make at least 17 dives in and around the Dampier Strait islands.

Note: on these trips there will be 1 dive on the last day and diving will be finished by 11.30 am.

7D/6N Best of Dampier

19 dives 1890 USD

Summary

Jaya takes you on a 7-day journey through the Dampier Strait – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.

Starting and ending our adventure in Waisai we dive approximately 19 of the most spectacular sites Raja Ampat has to offer. On our way through the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around Kri, Arborek, the Fam Islands, Aljui Bay and Kawe.

The Dampier Strait separates the islands of Waigeo and Batanta and is part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!

Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.

While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference.

We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day 1 (1 dive): ONCE UPON A TIME

And thus, the tale begins.

We meet you at 08.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel in Sorong, just next to the airport. A quick car ride and a ferry ride later, we’ll have reached Waisai and are ready to board the Jaya. For guests already staying in the area, we meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am.

Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): SECRET SANCTUARY

Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently swaying in the clear water.

We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are submerged seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.

As we slowly move towards Arborek Island we explore the south side of Pulau Mensuar where two spectacular jetty dives wait for us at Yenbuba and Sawandarek village. The latter is also a cleaning station for sea turtles.

A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach. We conclude the day with a night dive at Arborek jetty.

Day 3 (4 dives (incl. night dive): HIDDEN TREASURES

Some creatures like to show off – some prefer to seek shelter in nooks and crannies. Today we have a chance to pursue the more elusive denizens of Raja Ampat. Rare nudis, crabs, octopus and the elusive walking sharks all gather in Aljui Bay – a macro photographers wet dream.

A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.

After all the excitement we enjoy a big breakfast and move north to yefmo area for our 2nd dive.

Chanel No. 5 is as lovely as its namesake, the perfume. A stunning wall with undercuts and ledges, mimicking large soft coral covered steps descends into the deep.

We conclude our day with a night dive under the Pearl Farm Pier.

Day 4 (3 dives): SIREN’S CALL

Off the southeastern coast of Kawe is a gathering of rocks frequented by majestic eagles (and possibly Sirens). Exposed to strong, nutrient-rich currents it attracts the whole food chain. Swimming side by side with massive aggregations of fish we patiently wait for the main act – the graceful oceanic mantas.

In the hidden depths of the little rock peeking out of the surface lies a gorgeous coral garden, teeming with schools of butterflyfish, angel fish, batfish and barracudas. Black Rock is going to be the overture of today’s symphony.

Eagle Rock is a vast dive site and home to a manta cleaning station, where the graceful giants have their parasites removed by eager butterflyfish and moon wrasses. But this site doesn’t need to rely on mantas, it also supports some amazing macro life like winged pipefish, several species of dragonets and countless rare nudis.

Depending on weather conditions, we take another shot at Eagle Rock. If the sea is too rough, we choose an alternative a bit further south.

Day 5 (3 dives & Piaynemo Viewpoint): HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Whether you rush through a cloud of fish or climb a stairway to a heavenly view, shortness of breath may be a side effect of today’s activities.

We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.

We continue our tale at Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.

Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.

Day 6 (3 dives & Beach Visit): CLASH OF THE TITANS

Majestic and elegant, mantas are our declared kings and queens of the subaquatic realm. There is never a guarantee, but we do our best to increase your chances of encountering them by visiting the most frequented dive sites. We’ll also throw a variety of sharks and other pelagic predators into the mix.

We start the day at Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.

Heading further east we stop for an adrenaline rush. Manta Ridge is prone to very strong currents, but it is also a cleaning station for reef mantas where you have a chance to swim eye-to-eye with one of the majestic giants.

Next on the agenda is Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can also be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile.

Now it’s time to catch your breath and enjoy the sunset on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand.

Day 7 (1 dive): HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Every story comes to an end. But wait – we’re not quite done yet.

You liked Blue Magic? Good, because we are diving it again. Very early in the morning.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.

7D/6N Komodo Central, North & Dragons

18 dives 1230 USD

Summary

Jaya takes you on a 7-day journey through the central and northern part of Komodo National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Starting and ending our adventure in Labuan Bajo we dive approximately 18 of the most spectacular sites Komodo has to offer. On our way through the National Park we explore the reefs in the north and the central part of the Park. Dive sites visited include Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Makassar (Manta Point) and Batu Bolong.

Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savanna, pockets of thorny green vegetation, brilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coral, unquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The various habitats harbour more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make the Park their home.

While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea
conditions, weather or guest’s preference.

We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However,
we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day before departure

All guests must check-in at the Scuba Republic dive shop in Labuan Bajo the day before the departure. We are open from 10am to 7pm.

Complete all paperwork and settle remaining payments

Equipment fitting

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

Drop your bags at our dive shop in Labuan Bajo at 08.00 in the morning.

We meet up again at the dive shop at 10am and walk to the harbour, where our small speedboat takes us to the Jaya.

Once on board, we introduce the dive team, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures while we head out to the National Park.

After lunch we should have reached our first dive site in central Komodo. The check dive is usually at Sabalon Besar, a beautiful, sheltered reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): ADRENALINE RUSH

Our second day is spent in the thrilling north of the Park, riding the currents with the tides. The
order of the dives depends on tides and weather conditions.

Crystal Rock: This submerged pinnacle sits in the blue, exposed to the tidal currents of the Indonesian Throughflow. Massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and surgeon fish provide a tasty snack for pelagic predators. White and black tip reef sharks, tunas and giant trevallies are regulars here – especially if the current is strong.

Castle Rock: The top of this pinnacle peaks out of the water if the tide is low and creates a whirlpool of white foam around the crown. Sister to Crystal Rock, the scenery is similarly action-packed and exciting. If you are tired of hanging out with the bannerfish in the split, we can check out the sea fans that sometimes host pygmy seahorses.

Cauldron: One of Komodo’s most thrilling sites, this dive is sure to give you an adrenaline rush! The channel between Gili lawa darat and Gili lawa laut is divided by a bowl or well… a cauldron. A slow drift to start with the speed picks up on your way towards the cauldron. The dive culminates at “the shotgun” where you are propelled into the channel! You can catch your breath once you reach the beautiful, sheltered coral garden on the other side.

Night Dive: We don’t discriminate at Scuba Republic and therefore must give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Once the sun has set a whole new community comes to life!

Day 3 (3 dives): GENTLE GIANTS

This day is spent in search of the local manta population. Although they can make an
appearance anywhere in the park, some dive sites have a higher probability of encountering
them than others.

Makassar (Manta Point): Over 2km long, this is by far the largest dive site in Komodo.The drift dive takes us over a lunar landscape dotted with coral bommies – cleaning stations for mantas! Although not rich in coral, the dive site is frequented by sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish and the occasional eagle ray feeding on the bottom.

Batu Bolong: Located in the middle of the Lintah Strait, this pinnacle is exposed to some serious current. But don’t worry, this site is dived on the sheltered lee side. The rock drops down to 75m and is a meeting point for all sorts of marine life. While further down the pelagic predators pass by, the upper part is dominated by a staggering array of reef fish. Visibility is often limited by the number of antheas in your field of vision.

Mauan: This sloping reef features all the usual suspects, including leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimp, octopus and cuttlefish blending into a pink soft coral garden. But don’t spend all your time with your head buried in sand and coral, because this dive site is also a manta cleaning station. A shadow passing over you is not always a cloud.

Enjoy the sunset from Wainilu beach with a cold beer in your hand.

Day 4 (3 dives (incl. night dive): CRITTERS & DRAGONS

Mid-week is filled with magical creatures. Meet odd shaped marine life and the fiercest dragons outside of Westeros.

Now it’s time to make some new friends. While some of your fellow divers will leave the Jaya today, new playmates will join us for the remaining days. Be on your best behaviour and make them feel welcome!

What would Komodo be without a glimpse of the famous dragons? We’ll take you to Rinca for a hike through the rugged hillsides and thorny green vegetation, home to the iconic Komodo Dragon.

Siaba Besar: Framed by coral reef this lagoon is sheltered from the main currents and provides a haven for small critters as well as turtles. Hidden in seagrass and patches of sand we may find seahorses, ribbon eels, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish and mimic octopuses.

We conclude our day with a night dive.

Day 5 (3 dives): COLOR EXPLOSION

On day five we’d like to show you the colourful side of Komodo, corals and creatures alike.

Tatawa Besar: This dive site has one of the most astonishing coral gardens in the Park. The breath-taking variety of coral species creates a magical wonderland for divers and snorkellers alike. Cuttlefish, turtles, triggerfish and batfish tumble along the endless fields of orange soft coral. A closer look reveals small invertebrates hiding in nooks and crannies.

Siaba Kecil: The spectacular, fast drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas, small caverns where sweetlips, batfish, angelfish and the occasional shark hang out. At the end of the dive a sheltered hard coral garden is home to turtles, a variety of nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

And because there is no such thing as too many Mantas, we do Makassar (Manta Point) again.

Day 6 (3 dives): SECOND HELPINGS

If you’re pining for that second day again, where you were hanging onto a rock in the split surrounded by massive schools of fish, your dreams are about to be fulfilled. Because we are doing a second round of Castle or Crystal Rock and Cauldron. To mix it up, we present you one new dive site:

The Golden Passage: Drifting through the channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island the changing scenery is a feast for the eyes. The ride takes you through rocky canyons, vibrant coral gardens and sandy slopes dotted with glassfish covered bommies, schools of giant sweetlips, trevallies, bumphead parrotfish and often turtles.

Day 7 (1 dive): A DELICATE AFFAIR

China shop: This pristine hard coral garden is made up of delicate coral structures, surrounded by glassfish, sheltering leaf scorpion fish, octopus and mandarin fish. But be aware of your buoyancy – don’t be the proverbial bull in a China shop. The last dive will be finished at about 8 am.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour at around 12.30pm – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

5D/4N Komodo Central, North & Dragons

12 dives 875 USD

Summary

Jaya takes you on a 5-day journey through the central and northern part of Komodo National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Starting and ending our adventure in Labuan Bajo we dive approximately 12 of the most spectacular sites Komodo has to offer. On our way through the National Park we explore the reefs in the north and the central part of the Park. Dive sites visited include Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Makassar (Manta Point) and Batu Bolong.

Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savanna, pockets of thorny green vegetation, brilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coral, unquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The various habitats harbour more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make the Park their home.

While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea
conditions, weather or guest’s preference.

We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day before departure
All guests must check-in at the Scuba Republic dive shop in Labuan Bajo the day before the departure. We are open from 10am to 7pm.

Complete all paperwork and settle remaining payments

Equipment fitting

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

Drop your bags at our dive shop in Labuan Bajo at 08.00 in the morning.

We meet up again at the dive shop at 10am and walk to the harbour, where our small speedboat takes us to the Jaya.

Once on board, we introduce the dive team, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures while we head out to the National Park.

After lunch we should have reached our first dive site in central Komodo. The check dive is usually at Sabayur kecil, a beautiful, sheltered reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (3 dives): ADRENALINE RUSH

Our second day is spent in the thrilling north of the Park, riding the currents with the tides. The order of the dives depends on tides and weather conditions.

Crystal Rock: This submerged pinnacle sits in the blue, exposed to the tidal currents of the Indonesian Throughflow. Massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and surgeon fish provide a tasty snack for pelagic predators. White and black tip reef sharks, tunas and giant trevallies are regulars here – especially if the current is strong.

Castle Rock: The top of this pinnacle peaks out of the water if the tide is low and creates a whirlpool of white foam around the crown. Sister to Crystal Rock, the scenery is similarly action-packed and exciting. If you are tired of hanging out with the bannerfish in the split, we can check out the sea fans that sometimes host pygmy seahorses.

Cauldron: One of Komodo’s most thrilling sites, this dive is sure to give you an adrenaline rush! The channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut is divided by a bowl or well… a cauldron. A slow drift to start with, the speed picks up on your way towards the cauldron. The dive culminates at “the shotgun” where you are propelled into the channel! You can catch your breath once you reach the beautiful, sheltered coral garden on the other side.

Day 3 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): RAINBOW KALEIDOSCOPE

On day three we’d like to show you the colourful side of Komodo, corals and creatures alike.

The Golden Passage: Drifting through the channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island the changing scenery is a feast for the eyes. The ride takes you through rocky canyons, vibrant coral gardens and sandy slopes dotted with glassfish covered bommies, schools of giant sweetlips, trevallies, bumphead parrotfish and often turtles.

Tatawa Besar: This dive site has one of the most astonishing coral gardens in the Park. The breath-taking variety of coral species creates a magical wonderland for divers and snorkellers alike. Cuttlefish, turtles, triggerfish and batfish tumble along the endless fields of orange soft coral. A closer look reveals small invertebrates hiding in nooks and crannies.

Siaba Besar: Framed by coral reef, this lagoon is sheltered from the main currents and provides a haven for small critters as well as turtles. Hidden in seagrass and patches of sand we may find seahorses, ribbon eels, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipe fish and mimic octopuses.

Night Dive: We don’t discriminate at Scuba Republic and therefore must give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Once the sun has set a whole new community comes to life!

Day 4 (3 dives): GENTLE GIANTS

This day is spent in search of the local manta population. Although they can make an appearance anywhere in the park, some dive sites have a higher probability of encountering them than others.

Makassar (Manta Point): Over 2km long, this is by far the largest dive site in Komodo. The drift dive takes us over a lunar landscape dotted with coral bommies – cleaning stations for mantas! Although not rich in coral, the dive site is frequented by sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish and the occasional eagle ray feeding on the bottom.

Batu Bolong: Located in the middle of the Lintah Strait, this pinnacle is exposed to some serious current. But don’t worry, this site is dived on the sheltered lee side. The rock drops down to 75m and is a meeting point for all sorts of marine life. While further down the pelagic predators pass by, the upper part is dominated by a staggering array of reef fish. Visibility is often limited by the number of antheas in your field of vision.

Mauan: This sloping reef features all the usual suspects, including leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimp, octopus and cuttlefish blending into a pink soft coral garden. But don’t spend all your time with your head buried in sand and coral, because this dive site is also a manta cleaning station. A shadow passing over you is not always a cloud.

Day 5 (1 dive): CRITTERS & DRAGONS

Our last day is filled with magical creatures. Meet odd shaped marine life and the impressive Komodo Dragon.

At Wainilu we look for rare creatures and odd bottom dwellers like harlequin shrimp, seamoths, frogfish and mandarin fish. Basically, a macro photographer’s wet dream. The last dive will be finished at about 8 am.

What would Komodo be without a glimpse of the famous dragons? We’ll take you to Rinca for a hike through the rugged hillsides and thorny green vegetation, home to the iconic Komodo Dragon.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour at around 12.30pm – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

10D/9N A Clash of Kings (Central Raja / Batanta)

27 dives 1990 USD

Summary

The name Raja Ampat translates to Four Kings and originates in local mythology where four kings hatched from dragon eggs and went on to rule the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo.
Epica takes you on a 10-day journey through the Dampier Strait – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
Navigating the waters of the Four Kings we take you to 27 dive sites and 4 land excursions. 3 night dives – one in each area we visit – give us a chance to observe the nocturnal marine life. In Batanta we trek to a spectacular waterfall and in central Raja Ampat we take the 341 steps to be wowed by the breath-taking view of the Bintang Lagoon at Piaynemo.
Starting in the Dampier Strait we introduce you to the variations of dive site topographies and how the current affects them. We then move further south to Batanta for some muck diving where you get to admire colourful critters like blue ringed octopus or flamboyant cuttlefish.
Moving slowly north we dive around the Fam Islands, Aljui Bay and Kawe with famous sites such as Eagle Rock, the Pearl Farm and Melissa’s Garden.
On our way back south, we get some action at Yanggefo. At Citrus Ridge and Mayhem, visibility is often limited by the number of fish in your field of vision. Back in the centre of the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around Kri and Mansuar.
Raja Ampat lies in the middle of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference.
We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

We meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am where we will board the Epica. If you would like to be picked up in Sorong (VIP transfer), we meet you between 7.30 and 8.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel just next to the airport.

Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (3 dives (incl. sunset dive) & land visit): SOUTHERN FRONTIER

Batanta, one of the four kings and southern border of the Dampier Strait is a lush jungle
paradise. Surrounded by mangroves and black sandy bottoms crawling with macro life, this
makes for fantastic muck diving.

We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.

On the way to Batanta we have something special in store. On the southern side of Pulau Wai is the last resting place of a U.S. Air Force P47. This Fighter Aircraft from WW2 is overgrown with beautiful coral and a joy to dive.

After lunch we go on a little hike to admire a stunning waterfall embedded in the lush jungle near Arefi Village.

Now that we have dispensed of our energy, we are ready for some calm muck diving! On the southwestern side of Batanta are several bays and inlets crawling with alien critters like blue ringed and mimic octopus, ornate ghost pipe fish and flamboyant cuttlefish. We like to do a day dive and a sunset dive in this area to give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Some of our favourite sites are Black Beauty and Happy Ending.

Day 3 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): GARDEN OF EDEN

Gentle slopes and endless fields of soft coral accompany us on our way north. Play with blue spotted stingrays and stick your head through glassfish clouds in search of resting wobbegongs.

Today’s wakeup call is a gentle one. We dip in to get a last glimpse at all the odd, colourful bottom dwellers and blow them a kiss goodbye.

Moving to the northern side of Batanta, Palau Dayang features several possible dive sites. A colourful array of soft corals is waiting to be explored, step-towns and overhangs hiding the charismatic tasselled wobbegong shark.

On our way north to Piaynemo we visit Karang bata for some gentle slopes littered with coral bommies.

Before dinner we whet our appetite with a night dive at Piaynemo.

Day 4 (3 dives & Piaynemo viewpoint): STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Whether you climb on top of a hill to admire the stunning view of Piaynemo or plunge into the
depths of the underwater realm, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that changes
your perspective of the world.

We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.

Next on the agenda is Melissa’s Garden, a famous dive site named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.

Batu Rufas – dive site number three – is on the east side of Piaynemo and features a very photogenic submerged arch.

We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.

Day 5 (3 dives): SENSORY OVERLOAD

This day has it all. Currents, walls, big fish, small fish, odd fish.

On the northside of Piaynemo lies Barracuda Point, where we stop for our first dive of the day. After a delicious breakfast we start our 3h crossing north to Aljui Bay.

Chanel No. 5 is as lovely as its namesake, the perfume. A stunning wall with undercuts and ledges mimicking large soft coral covered steps descending into the deep.

We conclude our day at Eagle Rock just south of Pulau Kawe where we will spend the night. It is home to a manta cleaning station, where the graceful giants have their parasites removed by eager butterflyfish and moon wrasses. But this site doesn’t need to rely on mantas, it also supports some amazing macro life like winged pipefish, several species of dragonets and countless rare nudis.

Day 6 (3 dives): PELAGIC MAGIC

Offshore pinnacles surrounded by the current are a magnet for pelagic predators. Day six is all
about observing big fish at Pulau Kawe.

The opening dive of the day is Black Rock featuring schools of butterflyfish, angel fish, batfish and barracudas.

And because Eagle Rock consists of more than one dive site, we’ll go take our chances again to find mantas.

Moving back to Aljui Bay, we conclude our day with a sunset dive under the Pearl Farm Pier.

Day 7 (3 dives & Arborek visit): FISH FRENZY

On our seventh day we swim side by side with massive aggregations of fish gathering around
completely submerged reefs. One of our favourite pastimes is watching them hunt.

A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.

We follow up with Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.

Heading towards Arborek we stop at Lalosi for dive number three.

A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach.

Day 8 (3 dives & Beach BBQ): POSEIDON’S BOUNTY

This day is spent in search of the local manta population. Although they can make an appearance anywhere in the park, some dive sites have a higher probability of encountering them than others.

For the first dive we visit well known Manta Sandy, a cleaning station for reef mantas.

Close by we stop for an adrenaline rush. Manta Ridge is prone to very strong currents, but it is also a cleaning station for reef mantas where you have another chance to swim eye-to-eye with one of the majestic giants.

Depending on the tide we follow up with Sardine or Chicken Reef.

The sunset can be enjoyed on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand. If weather permits – there will be a beach BBQ later on!

Day 9 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Plunge down the rabbit hole with us! On your last full day of diving we would like to take you on a tour through the magical wonderland that is the Dampier Strait. From enchanted jetties to dramatic walls and world record holding reefs – we make sure you go out on a high.

Mistaking Mike’s Point for a camouflaged Japanese ship, this island was repeatedly bombed by the US air forces during WWII, creating a spectacular topography.

Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages like Yenbuba, that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently swaying in the clear water.

On the eastern tip of Pulau Kri lies the famous Cape Kri, record holder for the most fish species found in one dive.

We will one last time spend our evening browsing through seagrass and sand looking for small creatures. The muck dive at Saporkren is full of surprises. From seahorses, to flamboyant cuttlefish, to swimming wobbegongs – a spectacular dive is almost guaranteed.

Day 10 (1 dive): GENTLE GIANTS

The last day starts early. Really. But it’s worth it, trust us. We try to be the first to jump at Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

Diving will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.

10D/9N Southern Showdown (Dampier / Misool)

27 dives 1990 USD

Summary

Epica takes you on a 10-day journey through the Dampier Strait and the Southern part of Raja Ampat – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
With a total of 27 dives and 5 land excursions we show you the best Raja Ampat has to offer. 3 night dives – one in each area we visit – give us a chance to observe the nocturnal marine life. In Batanta we trek to a spectacular waterfall, in Misool you get to swim in one of the world’s few Jellyfish lakes and in central Raja Ampat we take the 341 steps to admire the breath-taking view of the Bintang Lagoon at Piaynemo.
Starting in the Dampier Strait we introduce you to the variations of dive site topographies and how the current affects them. We then move further south to Batanta for some muck diving where you get to admire colourful critters like blue ringed octopus or flamboyant cuttlefish.
After an overnight crossing south, we spend 3 days diving around the scattering of islands
south-east of Misool. Dive sites we visit include Shadow Reef (Magic Mountain), Boo Windows
and Four Kings.
Back north we dive around Piaynemo, where Melissa’s Garden an My Reef will take your breath away. Finally, back on our way through the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around Kri, Mensuar, Arborek and Gam.
Raja Ampat lies in the middle of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

We meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am where we will board the Epica. If you would like to be picked up in Sorong (VIP transfer), we meet you between 7.30 and 8.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel just next to the airport.

Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (3 dives): MAIDEN CONQUEST

We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.

A little bit further west in the Dampier Strait on the eastern tip of Pulau Mensuar lies Yenbuba, a local village with a rugged jetty that provides shelter for schools of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips.

Our third and last dive of the day is at Mioskon, also called “Bat Island” because of its residential fruit bat population. At dusk they fly to the bigger islands to snack on fruit and return at dusk to settle in the trees for the day.

After our last dive we head south to Batanta.

Day 3 (3 dives (incl. sunset dive) & waterfall visit): NYMPH’S TALE

Batanta, one of the four kings and southern border of the Dampier Strait, is a lush jungle paradise. An enchanted path leads up to a dramatic waterfall where we stop for a dip in fresh, clear water.

For the first dive of the day we have something special in store. On the southern side of Pulau Wai is the last resting place of a U.S. Air Force P47. This Fighter Aircraft from WW2 is overgrown with beautiful coral and a joy to dive.

After a big breakfast we go on a little hike to admire a stunning waterfall embedded in the lush jungle near Arefi Village.

Now that we have dispensed of our energy, we are ready for some calm muck diving! On the southwestern side of Batanta are several bays and inlets crawling with alien critters like blue ringed and mimic octopus, ornate ghost pipe fish and flamboyant cuttlefish. We like to do a day dive and a sunset dive in this area to give all creatures an equal chance to show off. Some of our favourite sites are Black Beauty and Happy Ending.

After our last dive we start our 12-15h crossing south to Misool.

Day 4 (3 dives & jellyfish lake visit): ARIEL’S PLAYGROUND

Our first day in Misool we spend in the Goa Farondi region. Unusual topography, clouds of fish and enchanted coral gardens give you a warm welcome to the south. Also – what little mermaid wouldn’t want to play with (non-stinging) jelly fish!

The opening dive will most likely be at Farondi Cave for some light cavern diving where we navigate through a few swim throughs in search of the local bumphead parrotfish population.

As a second dive we love the spectacular Three Rocks, a collection of submerged pinnacles busy with barracuda and trevallies.

If weather permits, a truly unique island visit waits for you. Close by lies the Lenmakana lake, home to a multitude of stingless jellyfish. And guess what – you get to swim with them!

We end the day with a dive at No Contest – if there is enough daylight left. If time has gotten away from us, we jump at one of the surrounding sites for a night dive, like Love Potion or Number 9.

Day 5 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): SUNKEN CORNUCOPIA

On our second day in Misool we explore the Fiabacet chain. Conditions and logistics with Misool Eco Resort will decide which of the sites are dived and in which order. We hope you are well rested, because this is going to be a spectacular day.

Good morning! This is the dive site you all came here for. Shadow Reef, also called Magic Mountain is one of the signature sites of southern Raja Ampat. This offshore pinnacle with a long ridge boasts everything you could possibly wish for.

Coral encrusted reef teeming with butterfly fish and yellow snappers, persistently hunted by giant trevallies and reef sharks. Massive schools of fusiliers and bannerfish make it hard to spot the passing napoleon wrasses and barracudas. But what we really hope to see here are the gentle giants – the site is a cleaning station for reef and oceanic mantas.

Another signature dive site is Boo Window. The reef features picturesque, window like swim-throughs, ideal for some wide-angle photos and a magnificent reef draped in soft corals.

West of Pulau Boo a rock protrudes out of the water that looks like a nudibranch from a distance, hence the name Nudi Rock. The dive site delivers what was promised, lurking among the soft corals we usually find an abundance of nudis.

For the night we retire to Yilliet. But before we go to bed, we take a peek at the underwater action at Yilliet Kecil.

Day 6 (3 dives): A REGAL AFFAIR

For our third and last day in Misool we venture further west to Pulau Wayilbatan.

We start the day at Four Kings, a dive site that is made up of four underwater pinnacles. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours, abundant fish live and coral munching turtles diving from one rock to the next.

Up next is Barracuda Rock with large schools of predatory pelagic species.

We’ll do our final dive in Misool at Wedding Cake, home to part of Misool’s pygmy seahorse community.

Exhausted from the sensory overload we can now rest for a while. The Epica starts her 15-18h journey back to central Raja Ampat, where new adventures await.

Day 7 (3 dives & Piaynemo viewpoint): STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Whether you climb on top of a hill to admire the stunning view of Piaynemo or plunge into the
depths of the underwater realm, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that changes
your perspective of the world.

Early in the morning we dive Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.

Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

Batu Rufas – dive site number three – is on the east side of Piaynemo and features a very photogenic submerged arch.

We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.

Day 8 (3 dives (incl. night dive) & land visit): FISH FRENZY

On our eighth day we swim side by side with massive aggregations of fish gathering around
completely submerged reefs. One of our favourite pastimes is watching them hunt.

We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.

Heading east, deeper into the Dampier Strait, we follow up with Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.

A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach. We conclude the day with a night dive at Arborek jetty.

Day 9 (3 dives & beach BBQ): POSEIDON’S BOUNTY

This is the last full day to show off the biodiversity in Raja Ampat. We chose lush, healthy reefs in the Dampier Strait, that foster a large number of species. From pygmy seahorses to mantis shrimp to sharks and Mantas – chances are we see them all.

A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.

Heading further east we stop for an adrenaline rush. Manta Ridge is prone to very strong currents, but it is also a cleaning station for reef mantas where you have a chance to swim eye-to-eye with one of the majestic giants.

On the eastern tip of Pulau Kri lies the famous Cape Kri, record holder for the most fish species found in one dive.

The sunset can be enjoyed on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand. If you’re lucky and weather permits – there will be a beach BBQ later on!

Day 10 (1 dive): GENTLE GIANTS

The last day starts early. Really. But it’s worth it, trust us. We try to be the first to jump at Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can be a wee bit currenty.
But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs while you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make you forget all about it.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

If time permits, we visit Mioskon Island again so you can get a last glance at paradise.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

Diving will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.

7D/6N Best of Dampier

20 dives 1490 USD

Summary
Epica takes you on a 7-day journey through the Dampier Strait – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
Starting and ending our adventure in Waisai we dive approximately 19 of the most spectacular sites Raja Ampat has to offer. On our way through the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around Kri, Mensuar, Arborek, the Fam Islands and Yanggalo.
The Dampier Strait separates the islands of Waigeo and Batanta and is part of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference.
We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However,
we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

We meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am where we will board the Epica. If you would like to be picked up in Sorong (VIP transfer), we meet you between 7.30 and 8.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel just next to the airport.

Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins, set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (4 dives): ENCHANTED JETTIES

Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral
encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently
swaying in the clear water.

We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies or reef sharks.

As we slowly move towards Arborek Island we explore the south side of Pulau Mensuar where two spectacular jetty dives wait for us at Yenbuba and Sawandarek village. The latter is also a cleaning station for sea turtles.

A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach. We conclude the day with a night dive at Arborek jetty.

Day 3 (3 dives): STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Whether you climb on top of a hill to admire the stunning view of Piaynemo or plunge into the
depths of the underwater realm, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that changes
your perspective of the world.

For the first dive we visit well known Manta Sandy, a cleaning station for reef mantas.

While enjoying our big breakfast we cross over to the Piaynemo area where we dive Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter.

Batu Rufas – dive site number three – is on the east side of Piaynemo and features a very photogenic submerged arch.

We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.

Day 4 (3 dives): UNDERWATER EDEN

For day four we stay in the neighbourhood. Fam provides some awesome, fishy dives that
simply cannot be missed.

We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.

Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

On the northside of Piaynemo lies Barracuda Point, where we do our last dive of the day before crossing over to Pulau Yanggefo for the night.

Day 5 (4 dives): FISH FRENZY

On our fifth day we swim side by side with massive aggregations of fish gathering around
completely submerged reefs. One of our favourite pastimes is watching them hunt.

A morning dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.

We follow up with Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.

Heading back towards Arborek we stop at Lalosi for dive number three.

For all those who have missed browsing through seagrass and sand looking for small creatures, welcome to our favourite night dive site. The muck dive at Saporkren is full of surprises. From seahorses, to flamboyant cuttlefish, to swimming wobbegongs – a spectacular dive is almost guaranteed.

Day 6 (3 dives): POSEIDON’S BOUNTY

This is the last full day to show off the biodiversity in Raja Ampat. We chose lush, healthy reefs
in the Dampier Strait, that foster a large number of species. From pygmy seahorses to mantis
shrimp to sharks – chances are we see them all.

Depending on the tide we start our day at Sardine or Chicken Reef.

On the eastern tip of Pulau Kri lies the famous Cape Kri, record holder for the most fish
species found in one dive.

Our third and last dive of the day is at Mioskon, also called “Bat Island” because of its
residential fruit bat population. At dusk they fly to the bigger islands to snack on fruit and
return at dawn to settle in the trees for the day.

The sunset can be enjoyed on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your hand. If you’re lucky and weather permits – there will be a beach BBQ later on!

Day 7 (1 dive): GENTLE GIANTS

The last day starts early. Really. But it’s worth it, trust us. We try to be the first to jump at Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile. The last dive will be finished by 10 am at the latest.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the
goodbye is not forever!

Diving will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will
be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.

10D/9N King of the North (Dampier / North Raja)

27 dives 1990 USD

Summary

Epica takes you on a 10-day journey through the Dampier Strait to the North of Raja Ampat– the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity.
With a total of 27 dives and 4 land excursions we show you the best Raja Ampat has to offer. 2 night dives give us a chance to observe the nocturnal marine life. In Wayag we trek to a spectacular viewpoint and watch the baby sharks on the beach and in central Raja Ampat we take the 341 steps to admire the breath-taking view of the Bintang Lagoon at Piaynemo.
Starting in the Dampier Strait we introduce you to the variations of dive site topographies and how the current affects them. We then move further north to Aljui Bay for some muck diving where you get to admire colourful critters like blue ringed octopus or flamboyant cuttlefish. We spend 3 days diving around the scattering of islands around Wayag and Kawe. Dive sites we visit include Magic Rock, Far Out Rock and Eagle Rock. Back south we dive around Piaynemo, where Melissa’s Garden and My Reef will take your breath away. Finally, back on our way through the Dampier Strait we explore the reefs around
Kri and Gam.
Raja Ampat lies in the middle of the Indonesian Throughflow, channelling a gigantic volume of water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean and back. These currents carry with them millions of eggs and larvae that supply the region with both genetic diversity and food. A buffet for sea creatures of all sorts!
Almost 75% of the worlds known hard coral species, 1400 species of reef fish, 17 types of mollusc, 13 marine mammal species and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be found in the area.
While this is the description of a typical dive trip, actual trips may vary due to wind and sea conditions, weather or guest’s preference. We do not guarantee dive sites as we cannot guarantee conditions of that dive site. However, we ensure to meet our guest’s needs as much as it is in our power to do so.

Day 1 (1 dive): OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES

We meet up in front of the tourist information centre in Waisai at 11am where we will board the Epica. If you would like to be picked up in Sorong (VIP transfer), we meet you between 7.30 and 8.00 in the morning at the Je Meridien Hotel just next to the airport.

Once on board, we make sure all the necessary paperwork is in order, allocate your cabins,
set up dive equipment and brief you on boat and dive safety procedures.

After lunch we depart to our first dive site in central Raja Ampat. The check dive is usually at Friwen Bonda, a beautiful reef teeming with colourful fish.

Day 2 (3 dives): ENCHANTED JETTIES

Raja Ampat is littered with tiny villages that feature rugged wooden jetties. Among the coral
encrusted pylons, you find a dazzling amount of sergeant majors, snappers and sweetlips gently
swaying in the clear water.

We start the day with a drift dive at Sardine or Chicken Reef. Both sites are seamounts with a shallow top that gently slopes down to about 30m. Schools of snappers, fusiliers and surgeonfish provide a snack for pelagic predators such as barracuda, giant trevallies and reef sharks.

As we slowly move towards Arborek Island we explore the south side of Pulau Mansuar where two spectacular jetty dives wait for us at Yenbuba and Sawandarek village. The latter is also a cleaning station for sea turtles.

A land visit at Arborek gives you a chance to meander through the picturesque village and watch a fiery sunset on the white sandy beach.

Day 3 (3 dives (incl. sunset dive)): FISH FRENZY

On our third day we swim side by side with massive aggregations of fish gathering around
completely submerged reefs. One of our favourite pastimes is watching them hunt.

A dive at Lalosi is an excellent way to start your day. The long, action-packed reef bustles with life as every species eagerly hunts for its breakfast.

A dive at Citrus Ridge is a sure way to put a smile on your face. Teeming with fish the reef is coated in yellow and orange soft coral creating a fresh and happy backdrop for large schools of barracudas, playful sharks and hungry tunas.

After the 2nd dive we have some time to relax while the Epica cruises north to Aljui Bay – a macro photographers wet dream. We conclude our day with a sunset dive under the Pearl Farm Pier.

Day 4 (3 dives): RAINBOW KALEIDOSCOPE

On day four we’d like to show you the colourful side of Raja Ampat, corals and creatures alike.
Starting at Aljui Bay and moving north into the vicinity of Wayag.

The opening dive of the day will take you to sea slug heaven. White Arrow is a slow drift dive along a sloping reef where nudibranchs seem to thrive. Look out for the solar-powered nudibranch. This large species can cover up to a fourth of its energy needs through photosynthesis using its cerate essentially as solar panels!

After a delicious breakfast we move further north to the small islands of Bag and Uranie for our next dive. Magic Rock has one of the most interesting topographies northern Raja Ampat has to offer.

Close by lies Y-Reef, named for its shape. Vibrant coral forests tightly packed with gigantic sea fans and masses of damselfish pulsing in and out of staghorn fields await your presence.

Day 5 (3 dives & Wayag Viewpoint): ROCKING THE HOUSE

From karst islands to submerged seamounts, the scenery on and around Wayag will take your
breath away.

Our first dive is either at Edi’s Cave or Jendela Cave where we will explore the numerous caverns and windows.

Edging towards Wayag, we stop at Pulau Quoy for an early morning dive, where the site name Ikan Campur (mixed fish) certainly lives up to its promise.

On the western side of Wayag gather a few rock islets. All of them exposed to strong, nutrient-rich currents. Weather & sea conditions determine which of them we’ll explore.

Wayag is the background for the postcard pictures you see in every documentary about Raja Ampat. Mushroom shaped karst islets in crystal clear water, surrounded by lush jungle and white sandy beaches. All yours to take in from the famous viewpoint.

Day 6 (4 dives (incl. night dive)): PELAGIC MAGIC

Offshore pinnacles surrounded by the current are a magnet for pelagic predators. Day six is all
about observing big fish at Pulau Kawe.

Cathedral rock is a dramatic dive site with caverns and archways, massive boulders and large congregations of fish. We only attempt this dive if the currents are mild and we judge the experience level of our divers sufficient. A beautiful alternative is The Bommie Bowl with crystal clear waters, colourful bommies and excellent fish life.

Our time in the far north is at an end and we slowly move back towards the equator. At Pulau Kawe two spectacular dive sites await us. Black Rock features schools of butterflyfish, angel fish, batfish and barracudas.

Eagle Rock is home to a manta cleaning station, where the graceful giants have their parasites removed by eager butterflyfish and moon wrasses. But this site doesn’t need to rely on mantas, it also supports some amazing macro life like winged pipefish, several species of dragonets and countless rare nudis.

Back in Aljui Bay we go for another round of weird critters during a night dive.

Day 7 (3 dives & Piaynemo Viewpoint): STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Whether you climb on top of a hill to admire the stunning view of Piaynemo or plunge into the
depths of the underwater realm, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that changes
your perspective of the world.

Chanel No. 5 is as lovely as its namesake, the perfume. A stunning wall with undercuts and ledges, mimicking large soft coral covered steps descends into the deep. Completing the dive, we start our 3 hour journey south to Piaynemo.

On the northside of Piaynemo lies Barracuda Point, where we stop for our 2nd dive of the day.

Batu Rufas – dive site number three – is on the east side of Piaynemo and features a very photogenic submerged arch.

We conclude our day with a trip to the iconic viewpoint at Piaynemo. 341 steps lead to a platform where we can observe one of nature’s most artistic designs. The spectacular view is composed of turquoise sea framed by jungle where a handful of karst islets jut dramatically out from the calm surface of the lagoon.

Day 8 (3 dives): UNDERWATER EDEN

For day eight we stay in the neighbourhood. Fam provides some awesome, fishy dives that simply cannot be missed.

We start our day at My Reef where we play with massive aggregations of schooling fishes like fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The top of the seamount lies at 12m and is a popular chillout place for the tasselled Wobbegong shark.

Moving on to Kerou Channel we hope for current! The spectacular drift dive rushes us past a rich, coral covered reef where huge sea fans hold on for dear life feeding on the current. But don’t worry – there are also some sheltered areas where we can search for pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and other colourful reef critters.

We enjoy our last dive of the day at Melissa’s Garden, named after the pioneer Max Ammer’s daughter, before crossing over to the Yanggefo area for the night.

Day 9 (3 dives & Beach BBQ): POSEIDON’S BOUNTY

This is the last full day to show off the biodiversity in Raja Ampat. We chose lush, healthy reefs
in the Dampier Strait, that foster a large number of species. From pygmy seahorses to mantis
shrimp to sharks – chances are we see them all.

This glorious day is introduced with Mayhem where the name of the dive site says it all.

On the eastern tip of Pulau Kri lies the famous Cape Kri, record holder for the most fish species found in one dive.

Depending on the tide we follow up with Sardine or Chicken Reef.

The sunset can be enjoyed on the white sandy beach of Mioskon with a cold beer in your
hand. If weather permits – there will be a beach BBQ later on!

Day 10 (1 dive): GENTLE GIANTS

The last day starts early. Really. But it’s worth it, trust us. We try to be the first to jump at Blue Magic, a cleaning station for oceanic mantas. The dive site can be a wee bit ‘currenty’. But while you cling to a rock and your jaw is locked tightly around your regs and you leave a horizontal stream of bubbles behind you, hundreds of schooling jacks, grey reef sharks, spanish mackerel and hopefully a few graceful mantas will make it all worthwhile.

Back on board, we gently prepare you for your departure. This includes a debriefing, delicious food, a group photo and plenty of time to gather your items while pondering how your belongings ever fit in your backpack when you left home.

After lunch we say our tearful goodbyes and drop you off at the harbour – hoping the goodbye is not forever!

Diving will be finished by 10am or earlier. If you are returning to Sorong the same day, you will be ready to board the ferry by 2pm. Expected arrival in Sorong is 4pm.

Packages

Price

5 Days / 5 Nights (14 Dives)

USD 995 / Person

Newbie Packages 5 Days / 5 Nights

USD 1,095 / Person

Equipment Rental

USD 100

Komodo National Park Fee

IDR 1.700.000

JAYA EXPEDITION14 Days/13 Nights

October 11th-24th 2019Maumere – AmbonBase price US$3200 (10% discount to return customers of Scuba Republic and dive professionals)The expedition starts with muck diving in Maumere and continues with the crossing to the Banda Sea, tracing the perimeter of the mystical Spice Islands. Our experienced crew will show you the pristine reefs and stunning drop-offs of these remote and almost untouched locations. Marine life here is in abundance from macro critters, schooling fish and sea snakes, to the ‘big fish’ favourites such as manta rays, reef sharks and even the chance to encounter some scalloped hammerhead sharks. The final destination is Ambon, for some more muck diving.Eastern Indonesia and the area between Bali and Papua is part of “The Ring of Fire”, famous for being highly volcanic, full of unique underwater seascapes and extraordinary conditions for marine life.The Banda Sea is famous for steep walls covered in soft corals, sponges and sea fans. Warm, clear blue waters full of schooling fish attracts divers there pretty much all year around. From September to early November there might also be some bigger surprises passing by – schooling hammerhead sharks and even whales have been spotted in this area!Visibility: 20-30 metersCurrent: medium to strongRecommended diver level: intermediate to advancedBest time to dive in the area: mid-March to end of April and mid-September to early DecemberWater temperature: 26 to 28 degrees centigrade. Deep water upwelling and thermoclines, especially in Sept-Nov, can mean temperatures as low as 25 degrees. It can be colder around Lembetta and Alor, with the temperature around 22-26 degrees, and we do recommend you bring extra exposure suit for this section of the cruise.ItineraryOur schedule will always be determined by currents, conditions, weather, marine life on site etc. Maumere – Alor – Banda – Ambon is famous for its spectacular coral reefs and marine biodiversity, so we ensure to select the optimal diving locations the area has to offer at that time of the year.DAY 1. Our staff will pick you up at your local hotel or at Maumere Airport at 10:30 AM and transfer you to the harbour where the Jaya will depart.DAY 2 to DAY 13. We will explore the diving around Maumere – Lembata – Alor – Wetar – Romang – Damar – Serua – Manuk – Banda – Ambon. With a visit to one of the famous Spice Islands.DAY 14. After breakfast & farewells, we transfer you to a local hotel or to the airport in Ambon. FlightsAs domestic flights in Indonesia are known to be unreliable, we recommend that you plan to arrive the day before departure. For your departing flight, remember to give yourself at least 24 hours of no fly time after diving, so don’t book your flight any earlier than the evening of the arrival day. These websites are very useful for booking flights in Indonesia: www.tiket.com, www.traveloka.com, www.nusatrip.com, www.skyscanner.net. Please book the domestic flight BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to Maumere and from Ambon. Embarkation / Disembarkation: Maumere (MOF) / Ambon (AMQ)How to get to Maumere (MOF), Flores:Wings Air, Garuda Indonesia and Nam Air have daily flights from Bali to Maumere, flight time is around 2 hours.Flight from Ambon (AMQ):Lion Air, Garuda, Citilink and Batik Air have daily direct flights to Jakarta, or you can get to Bali through Makassar, Sulawesi.What’s included:

30 or more dives (We aim for 34 dives but cannot guarantee this)Transfer between your local hotel/the airport, and the harbour in both ends of the journey3 meals a dayDrinking water, tea and coffeeLight snacks and refreshmentsFresh towel and linenWeights, weight belts and tanksWhat’s not included:Flights and hotels Dive and travel insuranceLaundry servicesDiving equipment – US$100 for full set for entire trip

Travel DocumentsNote, if we receive your passport details too late, it may very likely lead to delayed departure and significant changes to the itinerary. We MUST receive guests’ details well in advance of the trip.Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival (VoA); people of several nationalities now receive a free 30 days stamp on arrival, some pay USD35 to obtain VoA (30 days extendable by 30 days), others will have to obtain Visa BEFORE Arrival.Passport; ensure your passport is in good order, has enough pages, is valid for at least 6 months from entering the country and that you are able to enter Indonesia. Check with your local Indonesian Embassy if unsure.Departure Tax; Indonesian Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) has changed (Mar-2015) to be included in your flight ticket price. Please check though as previously it was 200,000 IDR to leave Indonesia and up to 75,000 IDR for Domestic flights. Carry small bills, Indonesia Rupiah preferred, as often no change given. Just in case…Health & InsuranceDive Insurance is compulsory for this trip. We also strongly advise you get adequate travel insurance. Please check your travel insurance policy for your diving needs. If diving is not covered, we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or their Asia Pacific branch.Travel Insurance

Please note, we cannot be held accountable for airline flight changes, delays or cancellations. We STRONGLY advise you take out adequate insurance to cover such eventualities. We recommend World Nomad for their flexible worldwide cover for travel insurance.Malaria Zone; in this part of Indonesia we advise you take the proper precautions against malaria. The following anti-malaria drugs are considered safe with diving: Doxycycline or Malarone. Mefloquine (Lariam) is NOT recommended with diving. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, we recommend you use an anti-mosquito spray or cream, wear long sleeves and long trousers in the evenings. If unsure about which measures to take, please consult a medical professional.Internet/Mobile SignalTelkomsel has the best coverage and if you are thinking about getting a local SIM-card for internet, but be prepared for the signal to be very limited throughout the trip. A SIM-card costs around US$3 plus the amount of credit you want to add to it.Paying for things on-boardWe accept payments in cash, EUR, USD and IDR as well as credit card payments (+3%).Packing tips:GoPro (if you have one). Large UW camera setups are not always suitable for the current and all dive sites.Log book, dive card or proof of certificationHat and sunglassesLightweight long sleeve shirt (for the occasional chili night)Lightweight trousers (for the occasional chili night)SwimwearSunscreen if you are a sun worshipperMosquito sprayMedical and dive insurance (we recommend DAN)Dive gear with 3mm wetsuit with a hooded vest or 5mm wetsuit (if bringing)Spirit of adventure 🙂BookingOnce you are happy with the offer, we will send you details for a deposit. A 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking. The rest of the balance can be paid later, before departure.Cancellation:In the unfortunate event that you should have to cancel your trip with us, refunds will be paid as followed:Cancellation more than 60 days prior to departure, deposit will be refunded (minus administration fee of 190 USD and bank transaction fees). Return transfer of funds will take place no more than 60 days after requested by client.Cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure, no refund.

7 DAY/6 NIGHT EXPLORATION TRIPS

Minimum 17 dives – 1290 USD!

Our exploration trips are unique adventures. Our experienced Raja Ampat guides will take you off the beaten path in search of the next great discovery in this world-famous diving destination. During these trips we will be looking for new dive sites, testing some theories, and trying out new ideas. This is the perfect trip for the experienced Raja diver looking for something new or the diver with a strong sense of adventure and interest in doing things differently. Our itinerary is not fixed and subject to change spontaneously, but along our journey, we’ll hit a few of our favorite sites and aim to make at least 17 dives in and around the Dampier Strait islands.

Note: on these trips, there will be 1 dive on the last day and diving will be finished by 11.30 am